Academics

FYS Section A29. Epidemics, Contagion and Inequality

This FYS will explore health and crime epidemics from a sociological perspective. We will explore the social determinants of health and safety and will address questions including: What is an epidemic? Who is most at risk in epidemics, and what factors make them vulnerable? Why do media outlets cover some epidemics widely while ignoring others that may be even more deadly? Can the same tools that we use to understand the spread of disease help us to understand crime waves? We will explore a number of historical and contemporary case studies as we develop an understanding of the social factors that underlie these threats to health and safety.